The broadcast of the Ninth Annual Tribute to America’s Veterans will air 7 p.m. Friday on Comcast channel 9 or Verizon channel 41.

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VINELAND — A year ago, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jorge Gonzalez was a long way from home, stationed in Afghanistan while serving his country.

On Wednesday, Gonzalez was enjoying being home with family. He was one of several guests of honor at the ninth annual Tribute to America’s Veterans, hosted by the Mennies Elementary School Fine Arts Club.

Veterans were saluted with songs and rhyme. The patriotic program was sweet and sentimental, prompting the airman to dab his eyes with the collar of his camouflage fatigues as he watched his fifth-grade daughter, Celine Gonzalez, on stage.

The program honors veterans as well as those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Principal Lisa Arena thanked those who attended despite the “yucky” weather. The students worked very hard on the production and were pleased to have an audience, she added.

The bow-tied performers sang songs that spanned history from the “Star-Spangled Banner” to Mariah Carey’s “Hero.”

Tyler Brown, a fourth-grader, said he was eager to do a good job for a special VIPP.

His Very Important PopPop, William Serad, watched from the audience. With two grandchildren, Serad said he’s been to five Mennies veteran shows.

But it was Tyler’s first and, he said, there was pressure to do well.

After the show, Serad, a U.S. Navy veteran, assured his grandson that he’d put on a good show.

Desert Storm veteran Richard Lorence Jr. said he was surprised when his daughter, Alyson Lorence, stepped forward into the spotlight.

The fifth-grader didn’t tell her dad she was taking center stage. She kept it secret, even when her dad dropped her off and picked her up from so many rehearsals.

Alyson said she was too scared to audition for a solo last year, but this year — her last at Mennies — she conquered her nerves and was rewarded with two solo performances, including a heart-tugging rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

“I’m very proud of her,” said Lorence, an Air Force veteran.

Fifth-grader Jeremiah Lebron, who was also a featured singer, said he noticed several guests wearing veterans hats.

“You look out and you see people crying, you start crying,” she said, adding she willed herself to think of happy thoughts to carry on to the end of the show.

Music teacher Chris Hannah, and third-grade teacher Nicole Sapello, produced the show. The students audition at the end of the school year and commit to rehearsals as soon as the new school year begins.

Nine years ago, Hannah said the veterans salute began as an elementary school show and over the years has evolved into a mature performance.

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